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Reed (The Fortunate Fall) explores a vibrant, far-future galaxy in this wild feat of worldbuilding. John Maraintha, an Essian, is forced to relocate to the struggling colony world of Scythia. There, multi-planetary cultures collide: Zandaheans, Ischnurans, and Terrans live alongside enigmatic aliens known as basket-men, whose language and biology defy understanding. John, who is especially thrown by what he sees as the barbaric practice of marriage, which is common on Scythia, travels with Sudharma Jain, a gifted translator attempting to communicate with the basket-men. Together they strike up uneasy alliances with biologist Piro Torres and his wife, Laura, as well as Iren, a Jess, or chosen third gender. Looming over everything is aiyi, a pervasive artificial intelligence that Earth became so enthralled by that it ceased sending aide to its colonies, leaving Scythia isolated. Aiyi has now merged completely with humans like Vo, blurring definitions of life, death, and autonomy. As tensions rise over the possible exploitation of the basket-men, violence erupts. Reed expertly examines themes of queerness and colonialism and offers a thought-provoking critique of marriage amid the barrage of worldbuilding innovations, including plants that birth animals and a soul inhabiting a bag strap. Add in the sprawling cast, and it can be difficult to get a foothold in this unfamiliar world. Still, sci-fi fans who stick with it will be richly rewarded. (Apr.)

John Maraintha has been sent as a doctor to the planet Scythia, accompanying translator Sudharma who hopes to help the colonists communicate with Scythia's native species. Culture shock abounds: John's home world prefers "visiting" over what they consider the stifling trap of marriage, while many colonists view his lifestyle as immoral. Tensions are also brewing between the colony's two cultures of origin, one of which recognizes a third gender, called jess. John dedicates himself to assisting Sudharma, a task that takes him deep into Scythia's deadly desert. He also becomes entangled in the case of Tali, a young person who wishes to be recognized as a jess, and the fault lines over ideas of bodily autonomy that the conflict exposes. Meanwhile, a mysterious envoy from Earth looks on, ready to intervene if events spiral out of control. VERDICT Reed's (The Fortunate Fall) first novel in a decade is a beautifully written and highly imaginative exploration of culture clash, queer identity, and adaptation. It asks who is willing to transform to meet new circumstances, and how much. Hand this to fans of Lois McMaster Bujold, especially her Ethan of Athos.--Erin Niederberger